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Wildfire Season Has Become a Business Risk Every Facility and CRE Leader Should Plan For in 2026

Wildfire season strains buildings and people. See how facilities can prepare in 2026 to reduce costs, protect tenants, and build resilience.

Ava Montini

Mar 11, 2026

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Wildfire smoke has moved from an environmental concern to a business risk for the built environment. One that affects operations, budgets, tenant trust, and even asset value. Smoke does not stay confined to forests. It drifts hundreds of kilometers into cities, infiltrates through HVAC intakes, window gaps, and loading docks, and turns buildings into frontline defense systems for the people inside them.


For facility managers, this shift reframes wildfire smoke as a predictable operational stress event, on par with a winter storm, a power outage, or a heat wave. For CRE executives, it reframes it as a reputational and financial challenge; one that determines tenant satisfaction, energy costs, and the long-term resilience of portfolios.


The Business Side of Smoke Days

When wildfire smoke drifts into a region, the strain on buildings is both immediate and multi-layered. Filters load faster, pushing fans to use more power just to keep airflow steady (EPA). As systems deviate, alarms trigger more frequently, and maintenance teams are pulled from planned tasks into reactive changeouts (Facility Executive). Meanwhile, vendors across the region see surging demand; parts and pads that usually arrive in days might take a week or more (NC State). That delay alone can unravel even the most rigorously planned preventive maintenance schedules.


Inside the building, occupants feel a different side of the same event. They note scratchy throats, irritated eyes, or rooms that feel stale or “heavier” when fresh air intake is reduced (AirNow). They see Air Quality Index alerts on their phones and news headlines escalating (EPA AQI). In those moments, the question is no longer just whether systems are responding, it’s: Is the building protecting me? When communication is missing or unclear, perception can trump technical measures, tipping the balance from confidence to complaints (BOMA).


Why It Matters More in 2026

The stakes are rising. Multiple studies show that during wildfire events, indoor air can reach one-third to three-quarters of outdoor particulate concentrations in buildings lacking robust mitigation (PMC). Residential buildings in fire-affected areas have shown infiltration ratios reflective of this risk (PMC). In some wildfire-impacted care environments, indoor concentrations have peaked near 200 µg/m³ (NCBI). In contrast, well-configured filtration systems often reduce that exposure to roughly 43% of outdoor levels, showing how effectively mitigation can work (NCCEH).


The human health impacts are significant. Fine particulate matter (PM₂.₅) is linked to asthma flare-ups, reduced lung function, and cardiovascular stress (EPA). Sensitive populations (children, older adults, and those with pre-existing conditions) are most at risk (CDC). However, research also shows that even healthy adults are not immune to short-term exposure (PubMed). Harvard-led studies estimate that wildfire smoke has caused over 15,000 premature deaths in the U.S. in recent decades, with an associated economic burden of $160 billion (Harvard). For employers and property leaders, this translates into absenteeism, healthcare costs, and measurable productivity loss (National Bureau of Economic Research).


At the same time, smoke is a mechanical stressor. It accelerates filter clogging, pushes fans outside their normal operating range, and drives up energy consumption (ScienceDirect). Facility executives consistently report higher unplanned maintenance costs during wildfire season, along with shortened asset life for critical HVAC equipment (Facility Executive). Viewed at scale, these costs ripple upward into operational budgets and capital planning, making smoke days not just a maintenance issue but a financial liability.


What Smoke Events Do to Commercial HVAC Systems


Wildfire smoke can be seen as just “dirty air", but to get deeper, it is a dense mix of ultrafine particles, ash, organic compounds, and combustion byproducts that behave differently from typical urban pollution.


When these particles enter HVAC systems, three operational challenges occur simultaneously:


  • Rapid filter loading and front loading: Fine smoke particles quickly accumulate on the front face of filter media rather than distributing evenly through the depth of the filter. This “front loading” effect increases resistance to airflow much faster than normal particulate loading.

  • Fan energy increases: As pressure across the filter bank rises, fans must work harder to maintain airflow.

  • Airflow imbalance: Systems designed for stable pressure conditions may struggle to maintain balanced ventilation across zones.


During heavy smoke events, these mechanical effects can compound quickly. What begins as a minor filtration issue can cascade into comfort complaints, airflow deviations, and unexpected service calls.


Rethinking Preparedness

Preparedness today requires more than having spare filters in storage. Facilities that treat smoke season as part of their risk portfolio are proving more resilient. Research shows that buildings operating with lower baseline pressure drops have more headroom when smoke events occur, allowing systems to maintain airflow without tipping into alarm states (ScienceDirect). Forward-looking teams also map their most critical zones (like labs, classrooms, care units, or executive suites) and prioritize them during smoke events, an approach recommended in EPA guidance for schools and commercial buildings (EPA).


Another resilience factor is vendor readiness. Case studies after the 2020 smoke season showed that supply chain bottlenecks caused delays of days to weeks in replacing filters and components, leaving unprepared facilities exposed (NC State). Facilities that negotiated priority contracts in advance were able to maintain schedules even during regional demand surges. Similarly, using AQI forecasts and on-site PM₂.₅ sensors has been shown to improve response times; by acting early, facilities reduce exposure and minimize tenant complaints (PMC).


Wildfire readiness also intersects with broader sustainability and ESG commitments. Poor indoor air quality during smoke events undermines health-related certifications like WELL and LEED, while higher fan energy use increases a building’s carbon footprint (USGBC; IWBI). Integrating smoke resilience into ESG strategies provides measurable benefits for investors and stakeholders while demonstrating a proactive approach to tenant wellness.


Three Questions Facility Leaders Should Ask Before Smoke Season


Forward-looking facility teams increasingly treat wildfire smoke the same way they treat winter storms or heat waves: as a seasonal operational risk.


Before wildfire season begins, three questions can help identify vulnerabilities:


1. How much airflow headroom does the HVAC system have?

Buildings operating near maximum pressure limits may struggle when filters load rapidly during smoke events.


2. Are replacement filters and components secured in advance?

Regional smoke events often trigger sudden demand spikes, delaying shipments and increasing costs.


3. Are response protocols clearly defined?

Teams should know when to increase filtration, adjust outdoor air intake, and communicate with tenants.


Facilities that answer these questions early often respond faster and maintain better building performance during smoke days.


The Bottom Line

Facilities without strong preparedness can see indoor pollutant levels rise to 75% of outdoor concentrations during wildfire events, while prepared buildings cut that exposure nearly in half (NCCEH). Harvard-led analyses estimate that wildfire smoke causes tens of billions of dollars in annual economic damage, largely through absenteeism and healthcare costs (Harvard). From a mechanical standpoint, smoke accelerates filter clogging, forces fans to operate at higher energy use, and shortens asset lifespan, driving up costs across operations and capital planning (Facility Executive).


The buildings that are prepared today will reduce alarms, complaints, and unplanned expenses tomorrow, while earning the trust of the people inside. Tenants will remember which buildings felt steady, cared for, and resilient when the outside air was anything but.

The Role of Air Conditioning in Maintaining Good Air Quality

  • Writer: Jennifer Crowley
    Jennifer Crowley
  • Aug 2, 2023
  • 3 min read

Updated: Jul 8, 2024

Rooftop image of stacked industrial Air Conditioning units atop a metal rack
While air conditioning primarily focuses on cooling indoor spaces, it also contributes to ventilation by facilitating fresh air exchange.

In the scorching heat of summer, air conditioning becomes a lifeline for many people. Not only does it provide relief from high temperatures, but it also plays a crucial role in maintaining good air quality.


Air conditioning systems have come a long way in terms of efficiency and innovation, offering benefits beyond just cooling the air. In this blog post, we will delve into how air conditioning contributes to maintaining good air quality, including filtration, humidity control, and ventilation.


Benefits of Air Conditioning in Maintaining Good Air Quality

An air conditioning system maintains indoor air quality, providing a healthy and comfortable environment for people to live and work in. It:

  1. Maintains humidity by humidifying or dehumidifying

  2. Provides constant and adequate ventilation

  3. Cleans the air by removing allergens and pollutants

  4. Maintains a desired temperature by heating or cooling the air


Filtration: Removing Pollutants

One of the primary functions of air conditioning systems is filtration. They help eliminate pollutants such as dust, pollen, pet dander, mould spores, and other airborne particles. Modern air conditioning units are equipped with efficient filters that trap these contaminants, preventing them from circulating indoors. High-quality filters can capture even smaller particles, improving the overall air quality.

Regular maintenance is crucial to ensure the filters remain clean and effective. Clogged or dirty filters not only reduce the system’s efficiency but also hinder its ability to filter out pollutants effectively. So, cleaning or replacing filters is essential, as recommended by the manufacturer.


Humidity Control: Preventing Mold and Mildew

Excessive humidity in the air can lead to the growth of mould and mildew, which are known to cause respiratory issues and allergies. Air conditioning systems help regulate indoor humidity levels, creating an environment less conducive to the growth of these harmful microorganisms.


By removing moisture from the air, air conditioners help prevent the accumulation of condensation on surfaces, which can promote mould growth. Some advanced air conditioning units even have built-in dehumidification features that actively extract excess moisture, maintaining optimal humidity levels for comfort and health.


Ventilation: Fresh Air Exchange

While air conditioning primarily focuses on cooling indoor spaces, it also contributes to ventilation by facilitating fresh air exchange. Stale indoor air can contain a buildup of pollutants, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carbon dioxide, and odours. Air conditioning systems with ventilation options allow fresh outdoor air into the space, diluting pollutants and enhancing overall air quality.


However, it’s worth noting that ventilation efficiency through air conditioning varies depending on the system design. Some units may recirculate indoor air more than others. For optimal results, combining air conditioning with natural ventilation is recommended, such as opening windows when outdoor air quality is good.


Maintenance and Air Quality Tips

Regular maintenance is essential to ensure air conditioning systems continue to contribute to good air quality. Here are a few maintenance tips to keep in mind:

  1. Clean or replace filters as recommended by the manufacturer.

  2. Schedule professional maintenance and cleaning to ensure optimal system performance.

  3. Keep the area around the outdoor unit clear of debris and vegetation to maintain proper airflow.

  4. Consider using high-quality filters that can capture smaller particles effectively.


In addition to maintenance, here are a few general tips to improve air quality when using air conditioning:

  1. Keep windows and doors closed to prevent outdoor pollutants from entering.

  2. Avoid smoking indoors to prevent the release of harmful chemicals.

  3. Keep indoor plants that naturally purify the air.

  4. Use eco-friendly cleaning products and avoid using harsh chemicals that can release fumes.

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